Risk Factors

Failure to take proper precautions, such as vaccination or using mosquito protection

Symptoms

Yellow fever symptoms appear within a week after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Typically, acute phase symptoms will persist for 3-4 days, and then disappear. A small percentage of people progress into the toxic phase. The toxic phase symptoms begin within 24 hours of the end of the acute phase. Recovery from yellow fever provides lifetime immunity from the disease.

Fever Reduction Methods

Kidney Dialysis

Blood Transfusion

In toxic phase cases, a transfusion may be needed to replace blood cells and clotting agents lost through bleeding.

Antibiotics for Secondary Infections

Fighting yellow fever may cause the immune system to become temporarily weak. A weak immune system cannot guard against bacterial infections as it normally would, so infections occur more easily. Antibiotics may be given to fight bacterial infections if they occur. Antibiotics cannot be given to treat yellow fever because yellow fever is a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent yellow fever. The
yellow fever vaccine
is recommended for those who are traveling to or living in areas where the disease is present. Ask your doctor if the vaccine is right for you.

Other ways to reduce your chances of getting yellow fever:

Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened areas.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.

Use bed netting while sleeping.

Remove or destroy mosquito-breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing pools of water, such as the inside of old tires, flower pots, and small puddles.

Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.

Use permethrin or DEET on clothes and bed nets for extra protection.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

The health information in this Health Library is provided by a third party. Cartersville Medical Center does not in any way create the content of this information. It is provided solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations. Do not rely on information on this site as a tool for self-diagnosis. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.